The Ultimate Family Adventure Guide to New Zealand

Embarking on a Family Adventure to New Zealand

Our honeymoon was originally planned for New Zealand, but unfortunately, it was cancelled at the last minute. When our son turned three and our daughter one, I asked my husband, “Shall we plan a trip now?” That’s how the idea of visiting New Zealand with our little ones was born.

Why Choose New Zealand for Your Family Trip?

Our first long-distance trip was to New Zealand. After all, if you’re going to travel, you might as well do it right, right?

Experience the Natural Beauty of New Zealand

New Zealand is a land filled with numerous nature reserves. This means no endless drives, but rather a new, breathtaking view at every turn!

Traveling to New Zealand with Little Kids: Camper or Car?

When planning a trip to New Zealand with little kids, you might be tempted to opt for a camper. However, my top advice is to avoid this mode of transport. While New Zealand may seem like the perfect camper country, there are many restrictions. Campers are prohibited in numerous locations, including some of the best hiking spots which are often situated in areas with dirt roads. Additionally, camper spots can be quite costly.

Our Family Adventure in New Zealand

We arranged our trip through TravelEssence, an organization run by a New Zealander. They offer a variety of beautiful accommodations suitable for families traveling through New Zealand. Options range from a house atop a mountain, a bungalow in a village, to farm stays. You can discuss your preferences with the organization to find the perfect fit for your family.

Our Family Adventure in New Zealand with a Stopover in Hong Kong

Our family trip to New Zealand was an unforgettable experience. With our son nearing his 5th birthday and our daughter at 2.5 years, we embarked on this journey with a 14-hour stopover in Hong Kong. We had a comfortable stay at the Regal Airport Hotel, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and a refreshing dip in the pool.

Exploring Hong Kong

Despite the jet lag, we decided to explore Hong Kong. A quick 20-minute train ride from the airport took us to the heart of the city. The bustling cityscape was quite impressive, especially for me, as it was my first time outside Europe.

I highly recommend taking a long stopover and visiting Hong Kong. It’s a great way to break up the journey and experience a different culture.

Arriving in New Zealand

After our Hong Kong adventure, we continued our journey to New Zealand. We arrived in Auckland after a brief stopover in Queenstown. Our first night was spent in a charming hotel, marking the beginning of our New Zealand adventure.

Exploring New Zealand with Little Kids

Traveling with little kids can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to create unforgettable family memories. One destination that is perfect for families is New Zealand. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a plethora of activities for all ages, New Zealand is a dream destination for families with young children.

Why Choose New Zealand?

New Zealand is a country that offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. It’s a place where you can spend the morning hiking through beautiful forests, the afternoon relaxing on a pristine beach, and the evening stargazing in some of the clearest skies in the world. Here are some reasons why New Zealand is a great choice for families:

Safe and friendly: New Zealand is known for its low crime rate and friendly locals. This makes it a safe and welcoming place for families.
Outdoor adventures: From hiking and biking to water sports and wildlife encounters, New Zealand offers a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will love.
Easy to navigate: Despite its diverse landscapes, New Zealand is a relatively small country that’s easy to get around. This makes it less stressful for parents planning the trip.
Great facilities: New Zealand has excellent facilities for families, including child-friendly accommodation, restaurants, and attractions.

Top Family-Friendly Activities in New Zealand

There’s no shortage of things to do in New Zealand. Here are some family-friendly activities that you shouldn’t miss:

Visit Hobbiton: If your kids are fans of The Lord of the Rings, they’ll love visiting the Hobbiton movie set.
Explore geothermal parks: New Zealand’s geothermal parks are a great place to learn about the country’s volcanic activity.
Go whale watching: Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat.
Visit a Maori village: A visit to a Maori village is a great way to learn about New Zealand’s indigenous culture.

With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a plethora of activities for all ages, New Zealand is a dream destination for families with young children. So why wait? Start planning your family adventure to New Zealand today!

Top 10 Must-Do Activities in New Zealand with Kids

Our journey through New Zealand has been nothing short of impressive! It’s clear that New Zealand is incredibly child-friendly. If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand with your kids, make sure to add these activities to your must-do list:

1. Spotting Blue Penguins and Sea Lions at Broad Bay, Dunedin

Seeing sea lions in their natural habitat is an amazing experience, especially when it’s just a 10-minute drive from our accommodation! We were thrilled to see young sea lion cubs with their mothers – a truly incredible sight. Although we could observe these beautiful creatures from our car, we decided to step out and get a little closer. However, remember to maintain a safe distance as the mothers can be quite protective of their young.

After our sea lion encounter, we headed to see the penguins. Despite the cold wind and the setting dusk, our spirits weren’t dampened. The kids were equally thrilled to see the penguins.

2. Relax & Walk Tour in Abel Tasman National Park

Upon arrival at Kaiteriteri, we hop into a taxi for a 20-minute ride to the bay. The journey is filled with fun sights, including numerous sea lions and the renowned Split Apple Rock. Once we reach our destination, we embark on a short, scenic walk around the bay. The kids enjoy playing in the sand while my husband takes them for another walk. If you wish to extend your stay, overnight options are available.

3. Playgrounds

Traveling to New Zealand with little ones? You can’t miss out on the playgrounds. They are abundant, well-maintained, and safe, with no splinters or broken parts. One playground even features a dinosaur slide atop a mountain, offering a stunning view! Relax and enjoy a BBQ while the kids have fun on the playground.

4. Puzzling World

Located in Wanaka, Puzzling World is a small, entertaining museum that will keep the kids highly engaged. It features a café with various table games, mind-bending areas where kids can appear as tall as their parents, and much more. It’s a must-visit when traveling to New Zealand with young children. The museum also houses the world’s first 3-D labyrinth, which is fun but requires careful supervision due to its tricky nature.

5. Discover Doubtful Sound

While Milford Sound is a well-known attraction in New Zealand, its lesser-known sibling, Doubtful Sound, offers a diverse and engaging experience. This trip is perfect for kids, combining a boat ride, a bus journey through the rainforest, and another boat trip through Doubtful Sound. It’s an 8-hour adventure that keeps the little ones entertained and intrigued.

6. Explore Rob Roy Glacier Track at Wanaka

Rob Roy Glacier, located near Wanaka, is a hidden gem. The journey to the glacier is an adventure in itself, featuring a dirt road filled with fords (water-filled holes), making it a challenging route for campers. The road winds through meadows teeming with sheep and cows, offering breathtaking views. A walk through a meadow with enormous cows and a narrow, wobbling bridge adds to the thrill, especially for those with a fear of heights.

7. Experience Maori Culture in Rotorua

The Maori, New Zealand’s native inhabitants, are known for their impressive and friendly nature. A visit to “Te Puia”, a beautiful park with a captivating show, is a must-do. Even kids who usually struggle to sit still will be mesmerized for the entire 55-minute performance. The nature reserve behind the show features a volcanic area with a geyser that shoots spectacular gusts of steam from the ground, adding to the awe-inspiring experience.

8. Discover the Warm Waters of Kerosene Creek, Waiotapu

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Kerosene Creek in Waiotapu. This unique spot is where a warm water source meets a river, creating a creek with a constant, comfortable temperature of 30 degrees. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind.

9. Experience Rural Life at Peet’s Farm Stay Near Christchurch

Enjoy a delightful stay at Peet’s Farm, located near Christchurch. This charming farm stay, run by a friendly couple, offers not only a bed and breakfast but also two clean and comfortable mobile homes. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a tour of the farm. For the little ones, there’s a fantastic playground complete with a trampoline. It’s a place your kids won’t want to leave!

10. Encounter Wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch is more than just a zoo. It’s a place where animals are incredibly tame and approachable. Whether it’s a kangaroo or a chicken, these friendly creatures are sure to delight visitors of all ages. It’s a wildlife experience that kids, in particular, will absolutely love.

Budget Tips for Visiting New Zealand with Kids

Traveling through New Zealand with little ones can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be quite expensive. To help you save money, here are some budget-friendly tips:

Kids aged up to 5 do not pay any entrance fees, except for the zoo in Auckland where 4-year-olds get a significant discount.
“Pak ‘n Save” is the largest and most affordable supermarket chain. They’re not everywhere, so stock up when you find one!
Look for discount cards for tourists at other supermarkets. They might not advertise them, but they’re there! Also, keep an eye out for gas station tickets. They can last for weeks!
While tourist attractions can be pricey, there are often free alternatives nearby. For example, lesser-known glaciers and glowworm caves that you can explore at no cost.
The Warehouse is a one-stop-shop for everything you need, from clothing and toys to electronics and diapers, all at reasonable prices. Consider packing light and shopping at The Warehouse once you arrive.
Most electrical sockets in New Zealand have USB entries, so you don’t need to bring multiple converters. If you do need one, you can buy it at The Warehouse.
Consider buying a local SIM card for your phone. They’re available at all phone stores and are much cheaper than using your home country’s phone plan.

Family-Friendly Hotels in New Zealand

New Zealand is a fantastic family-friendly destination with plenty of accommodating hotels. Here are some recommendations:

Top Family-Friendly Accommodations in New Zealand

When planning a family trip to New Zealand, consider these top-rated accommodations that cater to families:

Archway Motels & Chalets – Wanaka
Majestic Mansions – Apartments at St Clair – Dunedin
Ripple Rotorua – Rotorua
Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch

Conclusion

New Zealand is a fantastic, child-friendly country, making it perfect for family vacations. For more travel inspiration, check out this two-week New Zealand South Island travel itinerary.

This article is written by Ilse: “I’m Ilse, 33 years old and mother to Thijs and Fenna. I love travelling through nature. The mountains are my favorites.”

Please note: This article “New Zealand with Little Kids: From Fun Things to Do to Budget Tips” contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.